Beyond The Sheepfold: Acts 11:1-18
While today's Gospel from John 10:1-10 offers us the beautiful imagery of Christ as the Good Shepherd who calls his sheep by name, I find myself drawn instead to reflect on today's second reading from the Acts of the Apostles. This remarkable book has always held a special place in my heart, as it chronicles the living testimony of how our faith took its first courageous steps through the apostles' witness. I challenge you to read the Acts of the Apostles; it's an amazing book.
In the depths of divine revelation, the Holy Spirit descended upon Cornelius and his household, shattering the carefully constructed boundaries that had separated Jew from Gentile for generations. Peter, standing before the pillars of the Jerusalem church, recounted his vision of heaven's bounty descending on a sheet - clean and unclean alike - and the divine voice that proclaimed, "What God has made clean, you must not call profane." This powerful moment signifies not merely an adjustment of practice but a profound theological awakening: that the Father shows no partiality, and the waters of baptism flow freely for all who believe in the name of the Lord.
The apostolic witness carries this radical inclusivity forward not through human wisdom but through divine guidance. When Peter asks, "Who was I that I could hinder God?" he demonstrates the fundamental posture of authentic authority in the Church - not to stand between God and His people, but to recognize and affirm where the Spirit has already moved. This testimony resonates through the centuries as the faithful continue to discern where the living God leads His people, maintaining fidelity to both Scripture and Tradition while remaining ever attentive to the Holy Spirit's voice that speaks in every age.
In this sacred passage, we witness the Church's first encounter with her universal mission - the gradual realization that the Messiah came not only for the children of Abraham according to the flesh, but for all who would receive Him in faith. The reverent silence that fell upon the Jerusalem assembly after Peter's testimony speaks volumes; it represents that sacred pause that precedes transformation, when long-held convictions yield to divine revelation. "Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life," they proclaimed, revealing the early Church's willingness to be reformed by God's own hand - a lesson for us all as we navigate our journey of faith in communion with the apostolic tradition.
...is a MUST READ....
Acts of the Apostles: A Journey of Faith,
Courage and the Unstoppable Church
Introduction
Acts continues where the Gospels end, chronicling how a small band of followers transformed into a world-changing movement. Written by Luke as a sequel to his Gospel, this book captures the birth of the Christian church and its explosive growth despite fierce opposition.
The Promise and the Power (Acts 1-2)
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus promises his followers power through the Holy Spirit. Days later at Pentecost, this promise ignites spectacularly as the Spirit descends with "tongues of fire," enabling the disciples to speak in foreign languages. Peter, once fearful, boldly addresses the crowd, and 3,000 people embrace the message that day.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." — Acts 1:8
Growth and Opposition in Jerusalem (Acts 3-7)
The early church experiences remarkable unity and generosity as believers share everything in common. Miraculous healings attract attention, but also opposition from religious authorities. Stephen, full of faith and courage, becomes the first martyr after delivering a powerful speech recounting God's faithfulness throughout history.
Beyond Jerusalem (Acts 8-12)
Persecution scatters believers throughout Judea and Samaria, but this only spreads the message further. Philip takes the gospel to Samaria and to an Ethiopian official, showing God's plan to reach all nations. Saul, a fierce persecutor, has a dramatic encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road and transforms into Paul, the greatest missionary of the early church. Meanwhile, Peter's vision opens the door for Gentiles to receive the gospel when he visits Cornelius, a Roman centurion.
Paul's First Missionary Journey (Acts 13-14)
Paul and Barnabas are commissioned by the church at Antioch to carry the message to Cyprus and parts of modern-day Turkey. Despite opposition and even being stoned and left for dead, they establish churches in multiple cities before returning to report God's work among the Gentiles.
The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)
As Gentiles embrace the faith, a crucial question arises: Must they follow Jewish customs to be saved? The church leaders gather in Jerusalem and, guided by the Spirit, conclude that salvation comes through grace alone, not by keeping the law - a foundational decision for Christianity's future.
Paul's Further Missions (Acts 16-20)
Paul's journeys continue with new companions like Silas, Timothy, and Luke. In Philippi, a jailer and his family find faith after an earthquake. In Athens, Paul engages with philosophers at the Areopagus. In Ephesus, the gospel's impact threatens the idol-making industry, causing a riot. Throughout these travels, churches are planted and strengthened across the Mediterranean world.
Journey to Rome (Acts 21-28)
Paul returns to Jerusalem despite warnings of arrest. After being seized in the temple, he uses his Roman citizenship to appeal to Caesar. His journey to Rome includes a dramatic shipwreck where all 276 passengers survive, fulfilling God's promise that Paul would testify in Rome. The book ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome, still "proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance."
Why Read Acts of the Apostles?
Acts shows us:
- Ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things through God's power
- The unstoppable nature of God's purpose despite persecution and opposition
- A community of radical love and generosity that crossed social boundaries
- The power of a bold witness even in hostile environments
- God's heart for all nations, regardless of background or ethnicity
This book reminds us that the same Spirit who empowered the early church is available to us today. It challenges us to live with similar courage, community, and conviction, continuing the story that began with those first believers.
As you read Acts, imagine yourself in these moments - feeling the ground shake in that Philippian jail, standing with Peter as he addresses the crowd at Pentecost, or witnessing Paul's fearless defense before rulers and kings. This isn't just ancient history; it's an invitation to join the ongoing movement that continues to change the world today.
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
